Gas Tank drain plug
Driver
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: NH
I can't remember the last time a car was made (in the US) with a drain plug for the fuel tank, had to be in the 1970s or earlier. There is no way the EPA would ever allow that, the fuel system is required to be sealed and has been for a long time.
you will need to have the tank dropped and drained, siphoning the tank will not work, as I said, it is a sealed system and most modern vehicles are designed so you cannot get a siphon hose into the tank via the fill spout, you might be lucky to be able to do it by removing the fuel pump, but if you are going to that level, dropping the tank is a much cleaner and better solution.
you will need to have the tank dropped and drained, siphoning the tank will not work, as I said, it is a sealed system and most modern vehicles are designed so you cannot get a siphon hose into the tank via the fill spout, you might be lucky to be able to do it by removing the fuel pump, but if you are going to that level, dropping the tank is a much cleaner and better solution.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 581
From: New York
FYI, My 2002 Lexus RX 300 has a factory drain plug in the bottom of the tank. It's 18 mm so most people won't have a socket that will fit but an 11/16 will usually work in a pinch. There is some kind of flat rubber washer to prevent leaks but mine came out in pieces so I replaced it with a viton o-ring and no leaks. Very handy. All cars should have one - in case someone's dad dumps some diesel in there. He probably used a gas can and didn't realize it was diesel. Guess how I know?
Driver
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: NH
I'm not sure how common but I imagine it's rare because it costs money and saves owners on repairs - things most car manufacturers go out of their way to avoid.
It is one of those little things that makes me want to buy another one - but the new ones probably don't have one. They saved 20 cents by leaving it out and can charge you $$$$$$ big money to remove the tank, etc. That's progress!
It is one of those little things that makes me want to buy another one - but the new ones probably don't have one. They saved 20 cents by leaving it out and can charge you $$$$$$ big money to remove the tank, etc. That's progress!
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